Robert Franklin “Frank” Richardson passed away on November 18th at the age of 87 with Amazing Grace playing and his loving family by his side. 

Frank was born in 1933 in Gardiner, Montana weighing just over 2.5 lbs.  He lived with his mother and grandmother in Livingston in the house that his grandfather had built. At the age of 7, family circumstances required he be placed in the Twin Bridges orphanage; he remained there until the age of 14, at which time he went to live with his aunt and uncle Pauline and Kenneth Richardson in Bozeman.  Frank graduated from Gallatin High in 1951 and his adventurous spirit prompted him to join the Navy with the hope of seeing more of the world. Beginning in 1952, Frank served two tours in Korea, after which he completed Underwater Demolition Training (Frogman) in Fort Pierce, Florida, as a member of UDT Class 12, the forerunner to today’s Navy SEALs. 

He left the Navy in 1957 and returned to Livingston where he worked for the railroad, attended Montana State College, taught Judo, volunteered as a rescue diver, and survived Polio, though with lasting effects.  In 1964 his life took on new meaning when he married his bride, Evelyn Conlin, a commitment he would often claim was the best decision of his life.  Frank earned his bachelor’s degree and together they moved to California for his first teaching job and began their family with the arrival of their son, Mark. 

Frank missed the action and brotherhood of the Navy, so in 1968 he re-enlisted and after moving the family to San Diego, Frank was not only a member of SEAL Team One, but welcomed two daughters, Laurie and Lisa.  During his time in the Teams, he was deployed to Vietnam, spent time in the Philippines, instructed hand to hand combat, served as jumpmaster, an instructor at BUD/S and spent two years in Perth, Australia working with the SAS. 

Having been raised with very little, family was everything to Frank, and he loved nothing more than packing up for the weekend and exploring the nearby mountains, beaches or deserts as a family – always with a few of his kids’ friends tagging along.   He taught his children they had no limitations because he never believed he had any.  His three kids were exceedingly envious of “daddy’s playground” – the obstacle course located at the Naval Amphibious base in Coronado, where SEALs trained and conditioned.  Frank was an incredibly involved father, and periodically he would take his kids to work with him and let them “play” on the obstacle course, or swim in the dive tank.  Some of their favorite days were spent on Gator beach as Frank trained SEALs nearby.  He enjoyed playing tactical ‘war games’ with his son in the Tijuana river valley, earning the admiration of many neighborhood boys and gaining the title of ‘coolest dad’.  Frank enlisted Naval tactics in disciplining his children.  When an infraction was observed, they were asked to “drop and give him 10 pushups” and were released only after a loud ‘Hooyah!’.  This not only kept the troops in line but made for some abnormally strong children depending on their varying degrees of stubbornness.

Every summer the family traveled back to Montana to visit family and enjoy the places he and Evie grew up; instilling in their children a love for nature and respect for their heritage in Paradise Valley.  In 1983 he realized his dream of moving his family back home to Montana where he worked as a Naval recruiter in Billings, briefly returning to Coronado for his final post with SEAL Team Three.  Following his retirement from the Navy in 1986, he worked at Job Service in Billings and as a Border Patrol agent for US Customs at Sweetgrass Montana.

Frank and Evie enjoyed square-dancing, attending Faith Chapel, exploring Montana and attending their grandkids’ school and sporting events. You knew he was impressed when you got a hug and a “good on ya, mate” or “outstanding!”.  He was immensely proud of his family and their accomplishments, particularly academic achievements.  Frank and Evie also took the trip of a lifetime to Europe in 2004, visiting Germany, Belgium and their daughter, Lisa in Spain.

Frank was known for his firm handshakes, bear hugs and hiding Easter eggs for his grandkids that were never seen again.  He was a patriot who served his country with honor, and he gained the respect and admiration of all who were privileged to know him and serve alongside “Preacher”.  He was a man of God who stressed the importance of faith, family, loyalty and service.   Upon his death, Frank was surely greeted by his Lord and Savior with, “Well Done, my good and faithful servant”! 

Frank is survived by his wife of 56 years, Evelyn Richardson of Billings; his son, Mark Richardson (Sabrina) and his children, Christopher and Adam of St. Augustine Florida; his daughter, Laurie Brenden (Chris Mattingly)  and her children, Jessica Hayes (D’vaughn) and their children, Annistyn and D’Andre, Kylinn Brenden (Max Tolstedt), and Jerran Brenden all of Billings; his daughter, Lisa Richardson of Barcelona, Spain. Frank is also survived by his cousin, Kenneth Richardson (Betsy) of Lander, Wyoming; nephew, Kenneth Geer (Paula) of California; niece, Lynette Siebrasse (Paul) of Texas, and niece, Julie Albertson (Don) of Minnesota and their children; “bonus ‘son,” Minh Ho (Svetlana) and their sons of Hawaii. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Viola Norine Richardson, his uncle, Kenneth Richardson and aunt, Pauline Richardson, and cousin, Carole Anne Richardson-Coutour and her son, Thomas Johnstone.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Navy Seal Foundation, 1619 D Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23459, www.navysealfoundation.org; The Chris Kyle Frog Foundation; or the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter.

Graveside service with Veteran’s honors will be held at Chico cemetery on Thursday December 3rd at 1:00 P.M.  Social distancing and masks will be required for attendance.  Viewing will be available from 9am-11am Dec 3rd at Franzen-Davis in Livingston.